Security agencies in Lamwo district have intensified intelligence-led operations against organized criminal gangs and habitual offenders as part of broader efforts to enhance public safety and ensure a peaceful environment ahead of the Local Council (LC I, LC II and Women Councils) elections.
The operations, jointly conducted by the Uganda Police Force and other security agencies, have focused on major trading centers, border communities and areas identified as crime hotspots, where police say criminal activities have been affecting residents and businesses.
Among the criminal groups targeted were the B13 gang, allegedly linked to highway robberies, motorcycle theft and cattle theft along the Palabek-Kitgum and Atiak road corridors; the Opipino (Wasps) gang, suspected of stealing merchandise from commercial trucks transporting goods from South Sudan through the Ngomoromo border; and the Aluu gang, believed to have been involved in robberies and theft in Padibe East sub-county.
According to Lamwo District Police Commander (DPC), SP Reagan Magombe, the security crackdown is aimed at dismantling criminal networks, preventing election-related insecurity and restoring public confidence in law enforcement.
He said the operations form part of an intelligence-driven policing strategy that seeks to identify, arrest and prosecute individuals suspected of engaging in serious criminal activities, while ensuring that innocent people are not wrongfully prosecuted.
During one of the recent operations, police arrested 26 of the suspects. Following investigations and screening of the available evidence, several suspects were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lamwo, while others were released after investigators found insufficient evidence to support criminal charges.
SP Magombe emphasised that every suspect is subjected to lawful investigation before prosecution.
“Our objective is to deny criminals the opportunity to operate within our communities. We want every resident to conduct business, travel and participate in civic activities without fear. Intelligence-led operations will continue before, during and after the elections to ensure lasting security,” he said.
Police say the operations have mainly targeted criminal groups suspected of involvement in highway robberies, motorcycle theft, cattle theft, commercial cargo theft and other property-related crimes.
Investigators have particularly been monitoring criminal networks operating along major transport routes connecting Lamwo to neighboring districts and the South Sudan border, where cross-border trade has occasionally attracted criminal activity.
Security officials note that theft targeting commercial trucks transporting goods through the Ngomoromo border crossing has previously raised concerns among traders and transporters, prompting increased surveillance along the corridor.
Authorities also say robbery cases involving motorcycles and livestock have remained among the common crimes reported in parts of Lamwo, especially in rural communities where agriculture and livestock keeping are major sources of livelihood.
Police attribute part of the recent progress in crime detection to the implementation of the Sub-County Policing Model (SCPM), which has expanded police presence and strengthened community intelligence gathering at the grassroots level.
The policing model enables officers to work more closely with local leaders, crime preventers and residents to identify suspected criminals before crimes occur.
SP Magombe said improved collaboration between the police and local communities has significantly enhanced intelligence collection, allowing security agencies to respond more quickly to emerging threats.
He appealed to residents to continue reporting suspicious activities and avoid shielding individuals involved in criminal acts.
“Security is everyone’s responsibility. Community members remain our most important partners because they are often the first to notice unusual activities within their neighbourhoods,” he said.
Lamwo district chairperson Oyet Sisto Ocen welcomed the ongoing operations, saying improved security is essential for protecting lives, property and democratic processes.
He said the district leadership fully supports lawful security operations that target criminal elements while respecting the rights of law-abiding citizens.
Oyet urged residents to cooperate with security agencies by sharing credible information that can assist investigations.
“We want people to participate freely in local council elections without fear or intimidation. Criminal gangs should not be allowed to undermine peace or interfere with democratic processes,” he said.
Lamwo Resident District Commissioner William Komakech said the government remains committed to maintaining law and order throughout the electoral period.
He warned individuals planning to engage in violence, intimidation or other criminal acts that security agencies would take firm action against anyone found breaking the law.
“The government’s priority is to guarantee peace and stability. We encourage all law-abiding citizens to remain calm, cooperate with security agencies and reject criminal behaviour in their communities,” Komakech said.
Local council elections are considered one of the most important grassroots democratic exercises in Uganda because they determine village and parish leadership responsible for mobilising communities, resolving local disputes and coordinating government programmes.
Security experts note that criminal activities often increase during election periods due to heightened political activity, increased movement of people and opportunities for organised gangs to exploit crowds or weak security.
For that reason, police across the country routinely intensify intelligence gathering, surveillance and targeted operations before major elections to deter crime and reassure the public.
In Lamwo, the district’s proximity to the South Sudan border presents additional security considerations, requiring close coordination among police, military and intelligence agencies to combat cross-border crime while facilitating legitimate trade and movement.
Police have reaffirmed that intelligence-led operations will continue across the district as part of wider efforts to apprehend wanted suspects, disrupt criminal networks and maintain public order throughout the election period.
Security officials have also encouraged residents to remain vigilant, report crime promptly and work closely with law enforcement agencies to sustain peace beyond the elections.
Lamwo district has in recent years strengthened community policing through the Sub-County Policing Model to improve security coverage in rural areas and enhance crime prevention.
The district’s strategic location along the Uganda–South Sudan border has made intelligence-led policing a priority in combating cross-border crime, livestock theft, highway robberies and other organized criminal activities.
Authorities say continued cooperation between communities and security agencies remains critical in safeguarding lives, property and the integrity of electoral processes.
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